Customers who don’t pay charges or fall behind on their payments will have their water cut off if a Government proposal becomes law.

The Department of the Environment last night published the Water Services (No 2) Bill which details how the levies will be introduced.

It state consumers who fail to “wholly or partially” pay their charges will have their supply reduced or discontinued.

The bill also reveals homeowners who still refuse to fork out will be dragged to court.

Brid Smith, of the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes, described it as a disgraceful move and urged TDs to block the proposed new laws from coming into force.

She said: “It is inevitable that those who can’t pay will fall behind on their bills and reducing or cutting off their service will mean the poorest and most vulnerable will be hit again.

“This will put people’s health and in some cases, their lives at risk.

“My own mother needs a plentiful supply of water and I am sure there are plenty more like her.

“It is an attack on the sickest and most vulnerable in society.”

The bill, which will come before the Dail in the New Year, states charges will be calculated by Irish Water.

Under its provsions the State body will be able to apply to the Commission for Energy Regulation for levy hikes.

The legislation said different costs could apply to different classes of customer.

Ms Smith said the bill should be opposed locally and politically.

She said: “This is a very serious move. Water is a human need, these laws are a grave development.

“They will put people’s lives at risk and should be resisted.”

The bill also says Irish Water can appoint as many staff as it sees fit. It also allows for remuneration and allowances to be set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to be paid to workers.

Junior Minister Fergus O’Dowd said it paves the way for fundamental reform of water services delivery.

And he insisted the charges will be as fair as possible but confirmed the proposed free allowance has yet to be decided.

He said: “Irish Water will be regulated from an economic perspective by the CER.

“Irish Water will be required to prepare charges plans setting out details of its tariffs and related matters included payment methods and these plans, including the tariffs, will be subject to the approval of the CER.”